Q & A

• What distinguishes STeP from other certifications for sustainable production conditions?

  Independence: Hohenstein is a a founding member of OEKO-TEX®, an internationally recognized, independent association and an accredited, independent testing laboratory and inspection body. With  OEKO-TEX® STeP, we offer a standardized worldwide solution for greater sustainability throughout the entire textile industry.

  
  

  Textile: Unlike other systems, STeP certification is specifically tailored to the conditions of the textile industry and therefore offers a well founded evaluation of sustainable production conditions. Thanks to our deep knowledge of every stage of distribution, Hohenstein is the OEKO-TEX® representative with the expertise required to provide a realistic evaluation of a company.

  
  

  Transparency: STeP offers the greatest possible transparency for all stakeholders at every level: all the criteria and validation procedures are freely accessible. Certified companies have unlimited access to their data and the details of their evaluation. The evaluation system provides a condensed but comprehensive picture of sustainability performance for manufacturers, brands, retailers and even end consumers.

  
  

  Holistic approach: We analyze every relevant area of a production facility taking the various individual components of the STeP certification into account.

  
  

  Dynamism: The ongoing improvement process for certified companies is supported by the continuous further development of the STeP certification criteria. This helps to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable working and production conditions in the textile sector.

  
  

  Communication: Using the STeP certificate as a basis, STeP certification offers a trustworthy and comprehensive method of communicating with the customer and the media. The internationally recognized OEKO-TEX® brand strengthens the image of active participating companies.

• What audits are performed as part of STeP certification?

  After the initial certification audit, both a compliance audit and unannounced audits of the company take place during the certificate validity period. As the responsible OEKO-TEX® institute, we verify compliance with the necessary criteria on site at the production facilities and analyze progress.

• What are the minimum requirements for STeP certification?

  Chemical management

  • The introduction of a suitable chemical management system

  • Compliance with the specifications of a Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL)

  • Regular basic and advanced training on handling the chemicals used

  • Transparent communication and control of the chemicals used and their associated risks

  • Monitoring of chemical usage, the procurement of chemicals and auxiliary agents and their storage and application

  
  

  Environmental performance

  • Compliance with the stipulated limit values (wastewater, emissions, etc.)

  • The use of production systems and equipment that meet the latest standards of technology

  • Efficient use of resources

  • Reduction of the carbon footprint

  
  

  Environmental management

  • Implementation of existing environmental management systems for the systematic coordination and implementation of all environmental protection measures

  • Definition of environmental objectives

  • Regular creation of environmental reports

  
  

  Social responsibility

  • Ensuring socially acceptable working conditions in line with UN human rights conventions and ILO core labor standards

  • Implementing management systems for continuously improving working conditions

  • Complying with strict requirement for working hours, wages, and so on

  • Involving local stakeholders

  
  

  Quality management

  • Implementation of a QM system, for instance, in line with ISO 9001 or other operational methods

  • Guaranteed traceability, responsibility, and appropriate documentation regarding the flow of goods and manufactured products

  • Further-reaching management issues such as risk management and corporate governance, including anti-corruption and company codes of conduct

  
  

  Occupational health and safety

  • Implementation of recognized safety standards (for example, based on OHSAS 18001)

  • Measures for ensuring safety at the workplace and personal protective equipment

  • Ensuring the safety of buildings and production plants (e.g. through construction measures, escape plans, separation of production areas, etc.)

• How DETOX TO ZERO intergrate into STeP?

  The DETOX TO ZERO system is fully integrated into the OEKO-TEX® system. DETOX TO ZERO operates through the same software as  OEKO-TEX® STeP, which allows you to enter operating data easily and efficiently and monitor progress continuously. DETOX can also be integrated into the STeP certificate.

  • DETOX TO ZERO is a mandatory requirement for STeP customers with wet processes.

  • STeP customers with wet processes need to provide a detailed wastewater report.

  • Third-party wastewater test reports of institutes accredited according to ISO 17025 are accepted.

  • Limit values for certain substances and general requirements must be met.

• Are the STeP criteria the same throughout the world?

  Yes. Due to the global interconnectedness of the textile and clothing industry, only binding worldwide criteria make sense when it comes to an objective comparison of sustainable production conditions.